The author describes the emergence of a new style of family physician whose education is incorporating more behavioral science and whose practice moves increasingly into the field of marital and sexual problems. Closer cooperation between physicians and clinical psychologists and marriage counselors is advocated. (Editor)

This article is intended to be an illustrative rather than an exhaustive statement of training opportunities in marriage and family counseling in the United States at this time. (Author)

Counselors may expect an increasing number of marriages to include open intimate involvement with others either as an adjunct to the marriage or as an integral part of it. Key problem areas are noted and application to counseling situations is made. (Author)

Responses showed that reconciliation does not necessarily indicate a more satisfying relationship. Husbands and wives were interviewed by a team, separately but at the same time. The number and variety of differences in responses given by husbands compared to wives suggested a serious bias in studies which have included only wives or exwives as…

Describes therapist-structured marital separation for distressed couples during their critical period of deciding whether to divorce or remain married. Discusses characteristics of marital distress appropriate for structured marital separation, potential benefits, and design of the separation contract. Issues addressed include duration, frequency…

Discusses treatment issues in conjoint marital therapy, currently accepted as the preferred format for treating marital difficulties. Describes the use of linear or paradoxical letters to the nonattending spouse, providing research data regarding potential hazards of one-spouse therapy. Sample letters are included. (JAC)

Examined the acceptability of four therapeutic models (i.e., behavioral, psychoanalytic, systems, and eclectic) used in treatment of marital discord. Subjects (N=88) evaluated four treatment sequences as they applied to a marital case history. Results showed that, among varying treatments, behavioral and systems approaches were rated more…

Suggests conjoint reading aloud as an initial assignment in behavioral marital therapy. The spouses are directed to read a book on marital conflict and communication five times during the week following the initial interview. Conjoint reading addresses the experientially salient problems of verbal conflict. (Author/JAC)

Reviews 19 research studies on the Minnesota Couple Communication Program (CCP) which indicates an immediate positive effect on communication behavior and relationship satisfaction. Found CCP does not alter reported levels of self-disclosure or self-esteem. Positive changes persisted in some studies, but evidence of the durability of effects is…

Examined the effects of a structured choice-awareness, marriage enrichment program on participants' marital satisfaction and self-concept. Meaningful trends in the predicted direction of increased marital satisfaction and increased self-concept were noted for the experimental group. (Author)

Describes a treatment program for couples who mishandle anger or are physically abusive. The treatment endorses the elimination of demonstrations of anger and elaborates upon ways to identify preliminary anger cues. Abusiveness is unacceptable. Methods to improve problem-solving skills and to enhance overall enjoyment of the relationship are also…

Presents a picture of the current situation in the United States with regard to training psychiatric residents in marital therapy. The author argues for more intensive training in the field of psychotherapy. The foundation for psychiatric residency training should be the psychotherapeutic experiences that mature and grow the budding clinician.…

Reviews the significance of accreditation in marital and family therapy and the role of the Committee on Accreditation of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Accreditation of educational and training facilities through a sound process can facilitate development and maintenance of quality preparation. Accredited programs are…

Discusses the importance of assessing the impact infertility has on couples/individuals and understanding the relevance of this impact in the context of psychological treatment. Infertility's negative impact can be minimized by therapeutic intervention. Three psychological-behavioral categories for couples are posited, with case studies. (Author)

The personality typologies of couples who sought marital counseling were generally incongruent as determined by Holland codes. The Holland hexagonal model was useful in predicting which spouse would initiate marriage counseling, in obtaining a cognitive understanding of specific conflicts, and in helping couples resolve concerns. (Author)